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Opinions on Harman Kardon AVR254, Marantz SR4002?

post #1 of 3
10/5/08 at 6:56am
Thread Starter 
Well...I thought I nailed it down to the Yamaha 663 (over the Onkyo 606), but then I ran across the HK and Marantz receivers above on the Internet for a good price. HK 254 for $389; Marantz for $379.

Any thoughts about the HK and Marantz? How they compare to the Yamaha 663?

I'm not a gamer (not yet, any way). Enjoy watching movies and listening to music (jazz, blues, etc.), in that order.

Just purchased the Samsung LN32A550 32 in. 1080P HD TV and the Samsung BDP1500 Blu-Ray. Have a fairly small viewing/listening area with Klipsch surround (5.1) speakers. Really like these speakers, so intend to keep them.

I'd like a receiver that would help maximize my Blu-Ray/HD movie-watching experience, as well as one that will work with my Klipsch speakers to give me full sound when listening to music (or watching a movie).

Thanks again!
Veronica
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post #2 of 3
10/5/08 at 9:59am

Re: Opinions on Harman Kardon AVR254, Marantz SR4002?

Marantz has always been at the top of my list (along with Rotel) of receivers, but the 4002 is hdmi version 1.3 switching and 1.1 repeating so I don't think it internally decodes the DDTrue-HD and DTS-MA sound formats on BluRay discs. Perhaps someone else can confirm/correct this.

The H/K 254 is one heck-uv-a receiver for the price and would do everything you need it to do, and do it very well. If it worked. H/K has had it's reliability problems over the last few years, to the point many members won't recommend them. I currently own two of them . A 520 that has been in constant use for 5+ years without any problems and 435 which was recently replace by a Pioneer 59txi (a beast!) but I never had any issues with the 435 either and I still have it. But H/K's problems are well documented so if you do decide to get one, make sure it's from an authorized dealer. I think the 254 would out perform the 663 but at what risk?
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post #3 of 3
10/5/08 at 1:59pm

Re: Opinions on Harman Kardon AVR254, Marantz SR4002?

I just got a 254 3 weeks ago, and love it. I also got it for around that price. I have not had any problems so far. The only negative I have found from reviews online was slow HDMI switching. I don't have any HDMI hook ups so I cant speak to that issue.
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